Overcome the World.” Jesus Gives Us a Realistic, Yet Hopeful View of Life

I have Overcome THU JAN 5TH the World MORNING DEVOTION

OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT Psalm 42:1-5

Introduction Our theme for OIL comes from John 16:33 where Jesus says, “In this world you will have trou- ble…but take heart, I have overcome the world.” Jesus gives us a realistic, yet hopeful view of life. Realistically, this side of heaven is full of troubles, heartaches, and disappointments. And maybe many of us are coming into OIL 2017 full of them. But, the great hope we have is that Jesus promises to be with us and strengthen us through all our troubles. Today’s passage will help us to see what we can do to find hope in the midst of life’s troubles.

Read: Psalm 42:1-5

Commentary The psalmist is lamenting because circumstances are keeping him from being able to worship in the sanctuary of God. This psalm is meant to be sung by Israelites to stir their yearning and longing for God’s presence in their worship.

Questions 1. Who is the psalmist talking to in v.1, v.2-4, and v.5? What can we learn from that as we face discouragement, frustrations, disappointments, obstacles, etc. in our life?

2. As you are here at OIL, what ways are you hoping God to work in you?

6 I have Overcome FRI JAN 6TH the World MORNING DEVOTION

OVERCOMING THE WORLD Matthew 28:18-20

Introduction Samwise Gamgee: “I made a promise, Mister Frodo. A promise! ‘Don’t you leave him Samwise Gamgee.’ And I don’t mean to! I don’t mean to.” Frodo Baggins: “Sam…I’m glad you’re with me.”

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic triology The Lord of the Rings, the hobbit Frodo is given the task of destroying an evil ring in order to restore peace to his world. In the story, Frodo has another hobbit friend, Samwise Gamgee, tasked with being Frodo’s partner and protector in his journey. In the midst of the trials of their journey, Frodo tries to go the journey on his own…only to find over and over again that Sam is a faithful friend who promises to never leave him.

We are also preparing for an adventure post-OIL, but it is one full of dangers, pitfalls, and temptations awaiting us. But thankfully, we can see in today’s passage that we also have a friend in Jesus who promises to never leave us nor forsake us.

Read: Matthew 28:18-20

Questions 1. What is the command Jesus gives in v.19?

2. What are the promises Jesus gives in v.18 and v.20?

3. How do the command and promises of the Great Commission speak to you as you prepare for 2017?

12 I have Overcome SAT JAN 7TH the World MORNING DEVOTION

1. Please fill out an OIL evaluation atwww.winteroil.org . Your feedback is essential to improve OIL in the future.

2. Take some time to share with one another how God has blessed you at OIL 2017. Pray for one another.